To catch happiness sometimes you have to stop pursuing it and appreciate where you are.

This past week, I was rushing around trying to get ready for a trip to Washington DC to visit my parents. At the last minute, we cancelled the trip to make sure my parents did not try to drive through the snow to pick us up. But, in my rush to make and break the arrangements I forgot to make sure my parents knew we were not coming. I realized my mistake when they called from baggage claim trying to find us. Everything worked out in the end and I learned an important lesson about working too hard on too many things. I got so focused on arrangements, I missed the very thing I was making the arrangements for.

It is an interesting paradox that the wealthier the developed countries of the world get, the more depressed their citizens become. Positive psychologists have used this to illustrate that money does not buy happiness, but somehow we have collectively not gotten the message. You need only watch the news for 10 minutes anywhere, anytime to see the impacts of greed, corruption, fear, hate and intolerance on the rest of the world.

I believe that when we all take care to catch our own happiness - not just to pursue it blindly no matter what, but to live the good and happy life, the world is a better place. You can not fake happiness. It is a state of mind and body that brings a set of real benefits. Happy people are healthier, they give back more, they are more tolerant of others and look for solutions where everyone wins. After my little life lesson this weekend, I took the time to take a breath, to visit with friends, do things I enjoyed, and focus on what I already have. Then I went through my schedule and goals and cancelled some of my commitments to make sure I have time to enjoy the important things in life. So remember…

To catch happiness sometimes you have to stop pursuing it and appreciate where you are.

Affirmation

Journal or Meditation Question

Happiness is Contagious.